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so sails being taken in. Sailed 30 miles by the log in last 24 hrs.
but in a slightly wrong direction! The "Hitler Youth" (second)
"brightly" hurled the Chief's oil-skins overboard, found them in the
lavatory hanging up - history does not state why he threw them out.

Saturday Jan. 8th. 3 weeks at sea to-day, and at present are becalmed,
it is the 3rd day we have been in these parts, in fact have gone North
again for about 20 miles. Heavy thunder and lightning and rain during
the night, but the Royals were not taken in, which seemed strange.
Very hot and sultry all day, did almost nothing all day. The Hitler
Youth seems to have quite a bit of bother with his watch - especially
with "Tony" the half Spaniard (a nasty piece of work). The H.Y Talks
too much, his "Vatch" as he calls them, talk a great deal too. When
they are bracing or tacking it sounds the most unbelievable muddle.
There seems a great deal of swearing (in all languages) going on this
trip, but the decks are kept very clean, one can't have everything!

Sunday Jan. 9th. Heavy tropical rain most of the day, great washings
going on for hours. Steward and Mess boy and Chief Mate scrubbed
clothes and mats etc. They blocked the outlets in the scuppers so that
there was a foot or more of water over the well deck. When the Swedish
Finns wash, they wash. get to work with whole bars of soap and scrubbing
brushes, one wonders they don't scrub their clothes into rags. Wind
very light, we were back where we were 2 days ago, the current carrying
us in the wrong direction, but made a little headway again later today,
but now wind almost gone again. In Lat 2 [degrees]something N, so we will
probably be crossing the Line any time.

Monday Jan. 10th. Still "stuck" - 5 days now, more or less becalmed,
but atmosphere clearer after the heavy rain. Have moved a little as
we are in 1 [degree]something N. Do not know if there will be any Crossing
the Line celebrations, rather think everyone feels a but too hot to
make the effort. Lovely on deck as there is a slight breeze. Did
Captain's ironing, also helped him mend his socks. A. seems to be
taking a very academic and thoughtful interest in everything, but I
wouldn't regard her as a "real sailor". A wonderful moonlight night,
may sleep on deck.

Tuesday Jan. 11th. Still very hot and hardly moving most of the day,
but tonight have picked up a slight breeze and are making a little
progress in the right direction - yesterday we headed almost due West.
Steward decided to wash sheets, towels etc, today and expected A. to
assist, rather to her dismay, she weilded a washing board for the first
time in her life, but actually Steward did the rubbing. I put in the
afternoon doing some more ironing for Captain, terribly humid inside
and a sticky damp feeling in the air. Sat on deck amidships tonight,
the moonlight was marvellous, as light as day and breeze cool and
refreshing, after a very "doldrummy" day. Corrie says a good many
of the crew are feeling a but teary after 5 or 6 days of Doldrums.
A. said she felt that way too, so retired to her cabin to "commune"
with herself! One of her favourite remarks seems to be - "But is that
logical?" I mostly answer, "Not in the least"!